Lightning retire Lecavalier's No. 4
A second number now hangs from the rafters of Amalie Arena.
The Tampa Bay Lightning retired Vincent Lecavalier's No. 4 prior to Saturday's game against Los Angeles, putting a banner alongside Martin St. Louis' No. 26.
Vinny Lecavalier.
- #VL4 (@TBLightning) February 10, 2018
Forever a Bolt. ai #VL4 https://t.co/IDLhLJ4qvI
Congratulatory remarks were offered by franchise founder and former president and general manager Phil Esposito, former general manager Jay Feaster, and current owner Jeff Vinik, while Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman offered Lecavalier a custom-designed watch, hand-made by Audemars Piguet.
Lecavalier was selected first overall by Tampa Bay in 1998, served as team captain for the 2000-2001 season and between 2008 and 2013, helped the team win a Stanley Cup in 2004, and still holds franchise records for games played, goals scored, and shots.
He spent his first 14 NHL seasons with the Lightning before being bought out following the 2012-13 season - a decision Vinik addressed during the pregame ceremony.
#tblightning owner Jeff Vinik said buying out Vinny Lecavalier's contract was one of the hardest decisions he's had to make: "One of the hardest things in the history of this franchise, because he meant so much to the history of the franchise."
- Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) February 10, 2018
Lecavalier ended his speech - in which he thanked the team, its fans, and his family - by exhorting the current roster to make good on being legitimate Cup contenders once again.
Vinny Lecavalier message to current #tblightning team: "Trust me, there's nothing better than winning in Tampa. Play your hearts out and give it all you've got. Let's hoist the ultimate prize once again after 14 years."
- Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) February 10, 2018
Lecavalier retired in 2016 following stints with Philadelphia and Los Angeles, and remains a vital part of the community. He pledged $3 million to the All Children's Hospital in 2007 - a donation that helped fund the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center that was later named in his honor.
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